The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawsuits for Pleasanton, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Need Answers Now

For parents in Pleasanton and across Atascosa County, the dream of sending your child to a great Texas university can turn into a nightmare overnight. The text message comes late: “Mom, I’m in the hospital.” Or the phone call from campus police: “There’s been an incident at the fraternity house.” Or the worst call of all—the one that starts with “We need you to come to the hospital right now.”

Right now, just a few hours from Pleasanton in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. And he now faces the risk of permanent kidney damage—all because fraternity leaders forced pledges through brutal workouts, humiliation rituals, and dangerous physical abuse.

This isn’t ancient history. The Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case detailed how pledges were forced to carry “pledge fanny packs” containing condoms and sex toys, endure hours-long workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, and face simulated waterboarding with a hose. The ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit revealed how another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour. This is happening now, in Texas, to students from families like yours.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Charlotte, and across Atascosa County who need to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, and what legal options you have when universities and fraternities fail in their duty to keep students safe.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Universities

For Pleasanton parents who might remember hazing as “just some pranks” from their college days, the reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, systematic, and digitally-enabled. Hazing today isn’t about harmless initiation—it’s about power, control, and dangerous traditions that have killed and permanently injured students across Texas and nationwide.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical element that Pleasanton families must understand: “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion.

Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. This broad definition covers everything from forced drinking to psychological abuse.

Main Categories of Hazing at Texas Schools

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little nights”)
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
• Chugging challenges with hard liquor
• The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University shows how this pattern kills: a 20-year-old was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey and died from alcohol poisoning. His family received a $10 million settlement.

2. Physical Hazing and Endurance Tests

• Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national bans)
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal conditioning
• Sleep deprivation and food/water restriction
• Forced exposure to extreme temperatures
• In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, leading to rhabdomyolysis

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
• Degrading costumes and public humiliation
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• The Texas A&M Corps “roasted pig” case involved a cadet being bound between beds with an apple in his mouth

4. Psychological Hazing and Control

• Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation
• Social isolation from non-members
• Manipulation through fear of expulsion from the group
• Public shaming in meetings or group chats

5. Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier)

• Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
• Public humiliation via Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability expectations with immediate response demands
• Geo-tracking through Find My Friends or Life360

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Pleasanton families should understand that hazing extends far beyond stereotypical “frat parties”:

• Fraternities and Sororities: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC (Divine Nine), multicultural Greek organizations
• Corps of Cadets / Military Programs: Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, ROTC units
• Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming, and other sports
• Spirit and Tradition Groups: Texas Cowboys, Saddle Tramps, and similar organizations
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common threads across all these groups: social status, tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that enable abuse to continue even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Pleasanton Families Need to Know

When your child has been hazed at a Texas university, understanding the legal framework is crucial. Texas has specific anti-hazing laws, but navigating them requires experienced counsel—especially when dealing with powerful institutions that have their own legal teams.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly and provides both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Here’s what Pleasanton parents need to understand:

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Pleasanton Families:

• Location doesn’t matter: can happen on or off campus
• Can be mental or physical harm
• Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
• “Consent” is not a defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
This is critical for Pleasanton families to understand. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This means fraternities cannot claim “your child wanted to do it.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal charges could accompany our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability through the courts
• Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Both types can run simultaneously, and experienced hazing attorneys like ours at Attorney911 understand how to navigate both tracks effectively.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention requirements
• Maintains public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
• This means universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin must improve their reporting

Title IX and Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol crimes
• These federal laws provide additional avenues for accountability

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Pleasanton families should understand that multiple parties can share liability:

1. Individual Students:

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• In our UH case, we sued 13 individual fraternity leaders/members

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Chapter officers and “pledge educators”

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• We sued Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters in the UH case

4. University or Governing Board:

• Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• We sued University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents

5. Third Parties:

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

The tragic cases that have made national headlines aren’t just distant stories—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect how we handle hazing cases for Pleasanton families. Understanding these patterns helps us build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

• Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries
• Hours delayed before calling 911
• Dozens of criminal charges; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law
• Takeaway for Pleasanton families: Delay in seeking medical help dramatically increases liability

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

• Big/little event; pledge given handle of liquor
• Drank to dangerous levels; died from alcohol poisoning
• FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
• Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

• “Bible study” drinking game
• Forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

• Forced to drink nearly full bottle of whiskey
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Multiple criminal convictions
• Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Died from traumatic brain injury
• Fraternity members delayed calling 911
• National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Takeaway for Pleasanton families: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national orgs face serious sanctions

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

• Forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
• Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Family settled with 22 defendants
• Takeaway: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries can result in life-altering consequences and major settlements

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired; settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• Takeaway for Pleasanton families: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Pleasanton Families

Common threads in these national cases:

• Forced drinking, humiliation, violence
• Delayed or denied medical care
• Systematic cover-ups and code of silence
• Multi-million dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation

Pleasanton families facing hazing at Texas universities are not alone and operate in a legal landscape shaped by these national precedents. The patterns established in these cases help us build stronger arguments for Texas families.

Texas University Focus: Where Pleasanton Students Attend

Pleasanton families typically send students to universities across Texas, with many choosing schools within driving distance or major state universities. Understanding the specific hazing landscapes at these institutions is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Houston: Closest Major University to Pleasanton

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Large urban campus with mix of commuter and residential students
• Active Greek life with 50+ fraternity/sorority chapters
• Diverse student organizations including cultural groups and sports clubs
• Many Pleasanton area students choose UH for its proximity and programs

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• UH prohibits hazing on or off campus
• Policies forbid forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment
• Reporting through Dean of Students, Conduct Office, UHPD
• UH posts hazing statements but limited public violation lists

Documented Incident – Our Current Case:

• Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025)
• $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit
• Pledge suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Allegations: “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced workouts, simulated waterboarding, hog-tying
• Pi Kappa Phi chapter suspended then closed; members voted to surrender charter
• UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary/criminal referrals

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Involves UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
• Civil suits filed in Harris County courts
• Potential defendants: students, chapter, national fraternity, UH, property owners
• Our firm’s Houston office handles these cases directly

What Pleasanton UH Students & Parents Should Do:

• Report to Dean of Students and UHPD simultaneously
• Preserve all digital evidence (GroupMe, texts, social media)
• Seek medical attention immediately and mention “hazing” in records
• Contact experienced Houston hazing attorneys within 48 hours
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for UH-specific guidance

Texas A&M University: Major Destination for South Texas Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Tradition-heavy campus with strong Corps of Cadets presence
• Large Greek life system with historical significance
• Many Pleasanton area students attend for engineering, agriculture, business
• Culture emphasizes tradition, which can enable hazing under “heritage” guise

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued for $1 million
• Fraternity suspended for two years by university

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
• Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

What Pleasanton A&M Families Should Know:

• Both Greek life and Corps traditions present hazing risks
• University handles through Student Conduct and Corps regulations
• Civil cases may focus on Greek life and Corps traditions simultaneously
• Evidence preservation is critical before “traditions” narrative takes over

University of Texas at Austin: Premier University for Top Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Flagship UT system campus with 50,000+ students
• Robust Greek life with historical presence
• Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, etc.) with reported hazing issues
• Many Pleasanton top students gain admission to UT

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:

• Unlike some schools, UT maintains public hazing violations log
• Lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions
• Shows ongoing issues despite transparency

Example Entries from UT Hazing Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

• New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Found to be hazing
• Chapter placed on probation with hazing-prevention education requirement

Texas Wranglers & Spirit Organizations:

• Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Punishment-based practices despite official policies

What Pleasanton UT Families Should Do:

• Check UT’s public hazing log for organization history
• Report to UTPD and Dean of Students simultaneously
• Use prior violations from UT log to support civil claims
• Document everything before university controls narrative

Southern Methodist University: Private University Option

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence
• Reputation for social scene and networking
• Some Pleasanton families choose SMU for business/pre-law programs

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
• Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until 2021
• Highlights ongoing issues at private institutions

What Pleasanton SMU Families Should Know:

• Private university status affects transparency
• SMU uses anonymous reporting (Real Response system)
• Civil suits can compel discovery even without public reports
• Don’t assume “private” means “better oversight”

Baylor University: Religious Institution with Greek Life

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Private Christian university with Greek system
• History of scrutiny over football/Title IX issues
• Some Pleasanton families choose for religious alignment

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Highlights hazing in athletic programs

What Pleasanton Baylor Families Should Know:

• Religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
• “Zero tolerance” policies vs. recurring misconduct
• Practical realities of pursuing claims against religious institutions
• Documentation remains critical

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Pleasanton families, understanding that local chapters at Texas universities are connected to national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial. These national patterns establish “foreseeability” that strengthens civil cases.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Cases

When Pleasanton students are hazed at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, the national organizations behind those chapters often have:

• Documented hazing deaths at other campuses
• Settlements and verdicts establishing liability patterns
• Known dangerous traditions that keep repeating
• Thick anti-hazing manuals precisely because they’ve seen disasters

This creates legal foreseeability: national headquarters knew or should have known certain activities were dangerous based on prior incidents elsewhere.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Forced to drink bottle of whiskey; died; $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights repeatedly cause deaths
• Legal significance for Pleasanton families: Nationals had notice of dangerous tradition

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU:

• Texas A&M Chemical Burns Case (2021): Industrial cleaner burns requiring skin grafts; $1M lawsuit
• University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
• UT Austin Assault Case (2024): Exchange student dislocated leg, broken nose; $1M+ lawsuit
• Pattern: Physical violence and chemical abuse
• Legal significance: Multiple Texas incidents show local pattern

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT:

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Big Brother night drinking death
• Leonel Bermudez – UH (2025): Our current case – rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing causing medical emergencies

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor:

• Max Gruver – LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act
• Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) – Present at Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor:

• SMU Incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
• Pattern: Traditional physical hazing persists despite bans

How National Patterns Strengthen Pleasanton Families’ Cases

When we represent Pleasanton families, we use national histories to establish:

1. Foreseeability: Nationals knew certain activities were dangerous
2. Pattern Evidence: Same organizations, same dangerous traditions
3. Negligent Supervision: Nationals failed to enforce their own policies
4. Punitive Damages Basis: Repeated incidents show conscious disregard

This is why experienced hazing litigation matters. General personal injury attorneys might miss these connections, but we know how to trace liability from the Pleasanton student’s injury back through the chapter to national headquarters.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Pleasanton Families

When hazing injures a Pleasanton student, building a strong case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding the full scope of recoverable damages. Here’s what families need to know.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok: Preserve before auto-delete
• Fraternity-specific apps: Chapter communication platforms
• Email threads: Official chapter communications
• Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. Photos & Videos:

• Injuries immediately after and over several days
• Locations where hazing occurred
• Objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
• Social media posts about events

3. Medical Documentation:

• ER records, hospital admission notes
• Lab results (toxicology, kidney function for rhabdomyolysis)
• Specialist consultations
• Crucial: Tell medical providers “this was hazing” for documentation

4. University Records:

• Prior conduct violations of same organization
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports
• Obtained through discovery once lawsuit filed

5. Witness Information:

• Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate later)
• Roommates, RAs, hall mates
• Former members who quit
• Contact info preserved early

Damages: What Pleasanton Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical bills: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
• Future medical care: Physical therapy, psychological care, medications
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect career trajectory

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in college experience
• Reputational harm: Social stigma

Wrongful Death Damages (If Tragedy Occurs):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, guidance
• Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Deter future hazing
• Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternity and university insurance companies often fight hazing claims using standard defenses:

Common Insurance Arguments:

• “Hazing is intentional act excluded from coverage”
• “Policy doesn’t cover certain defendants”
• “Claims exceed policy limits”

How We Counter:

• Identify all potential policies: chapter, national, university, umbrella
• Argue negligent supervision (covered) vs. intentional hazing (excluded)
• Use bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage
• Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as former insurance defense attorney gives us insider advantage

Practical Guides & FAQs for Pleasanton Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Pleasanton Student May Be Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially if excuses don’t add up)
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress eating
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Chemical burns, rashes, skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about organization
• Fear of “getting chapter in trouble”
• Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping exams for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

If You Suspect Hazing:

• Immediate safety first: call 911 if in danger
• Document everything: write down what child says, screenshot texts
• Medical attention: prioritize health over “getting in trouble”
• Reporting: campus authorities, local police, national hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
• Legal consultation: contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 early

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If Yes to Any – It’s Likely Hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
• Want to quit: Tell someone outside org first, then email chapter president
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure you
• Fear retaliation: Report to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots of group chats with timestamps
• Photos of injuries (multiple angles, include ruler for scale)
• Voice memos (Texas is one-party consent state)
• Save everything digital – don’t delete even if embarrassed
• Medical documentation: Tell providers “I was hazed”

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

• What parents think: “I don’t want them in more trouble”
• Why wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
• What to do: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

• What parents think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
• Why wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do: Document everything, call lawyer first

3. Signing University “Release” Forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
• Why wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often below value
• What to do: Do NOT sign without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How University Handles It”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle internally”
• Why wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• What to do: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Short FAQ for Pleasanton Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states “consent is not a defense” to hazing. Courts recognize peer pressure creates coercive environment.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but “discovery rule” may extend if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical. Watch our statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlements. We prioritize your family’s privacy.

Why Attorney911 for Pleasanton Hazing Cases

When your Pleasanton family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

• Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity/university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
• Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
• Ralph’s complete credentials: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• Experience with brain injury, permanent disability cases
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”
• Our wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Criminal defense capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth and Data Advantage:

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We maintain database of 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Responsibility

For Pleasanton families, understanding who’s responsible requires digging deep into organizational structures. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database built from:

Public Records We Track:

• IRS B83 Filings: 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, addresses
• Texas Universities: 96 campuses with Greek life presence
• Metro Organization Data: 129 organizations across 15 Texas metros
• Brand Overlap Analysis: 36 cross-validated national brands

Example Organizations Relevant to Pleasanton Families:

From IRS B83 Records (Public Filings):

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated – EIN 882755427 – San Marcos, TX 78666
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904

From Cause IQ Metro Data (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro – 188 Greek orgs):
6. Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX
8. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
9. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX
10. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma – Houston, TX

This data-driven approach means when we take your case, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to trace liability from the local chapter through housing corporations to national headquarters.

How We Handle Pleasanton Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation:
睿 Within 24 hours: forensic preservation of digital evidence
睿 Secure medical documentation
睿 Identify and interview witnesses before memories fade

Strategic Defendant Identification:
睿 Not just individual members—we trace liability up the chain
睿 National headquarters with deep pockets
睿 University departments that failed to supervise
睿 Insurance companies with coverage obligations

Damage Maximization Strategy:
睿 Comprehensive economic analysis with experts
睿 Non-economic damage documentation (PTSD, trauma)
睿 Punitive damage arguments when conduct warrants

Trial Readiness:
睿 Universities and fraternities know which lawyers will actually go to trial
睿 Our federal court experience and trial record change settlement dynamics
睿 “A case prepared for trial attracts fair settlement; a case prepared for settlement attracts more delay.”

Call to Action for Pleasanton Families

If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UH just hours away or a school across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Charlotte, and across Atascosa County have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 about a potential hazing case:

We Listen First:

• Hear your story without judgment
• Understand your family’s specific situation
• Answer your immediate questions

Case Evaluation:

• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations

No Pressure Decision:

• Take time to decide what’s right for your family
• No obligation to hire us immediately
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Clear Next Steps:

• If we take your case: contingency fee basis (we don’t get paid unless we win)
• If another approach is better: we’ll tell you honestly
• Either way: you leave with clarity and options

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Serving Pleasanton and All of Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Pleasanton and surrounding communities in Atascosa County. Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, we have the experience and resources to help.

Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Time is Critical – Call Today:

• Evidence disappears quickly (deleted messages, coached witnesses)
• Statutes of limitations are running
• Universities move fast to control narratives
• The sooner we start, the stronger your case

Whether you’re in Pleasanton or anywhere across South Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. We’ve helped families through these crises before, and we can help you too.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for your free, confidential consultation.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

1. Click2Houston: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
2. ABC13: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
3. Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
4. Evidence Documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
5. Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
6. Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
7. Contingency Fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:
8. Main Website: https://attorney911.com
9. Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
10. Criminal Defense: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
11. Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
12. Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com